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Unplugged travel to rise as travellers seek a real escape

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Lonely Planet experts reveal their top 10 predictions for the future of travel.

Travel to become an increasingly integrated aspect of people’s everyday lives with true escapes and remote hotels to increase in popularity as stressed travellers seek an escape from work.

Lonely Planet, the world’s leading travel media company, and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have joined forces to celebrate the 100th anniversary of commercial air travel by revealing Lonely Planet’s top 10 predictions for the future of world travel.

According to Lonely Planet’s team of travel experts holiday makers are set to demand more ‘unplugged travel’ and secret escapes as the fast pace of modern life continues to grow (the full list of top ten predictions can be found below).

Top of Lonely Planet’s list of predictions is that travel will soon become fully integrated into our lives as opposed to a special event. Data from the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG) forecasts that 6.6 billion passengers will fly worldwide by 2032, growing an average of 4.4% annually from 2014.  The increasing volume of commercial flights has brought a large shift in travellers’ mind-sets and Lonely Planet argues the concept of travel as a rare treat is disappearing, replaced by travel as a lifestyle choice.

Lonely Planet also predicts that green travel is also on the rise as a new generation of travellers builds sustainability into every step of their journeys. 70% of travellers expect companies to demonstrate commitment to preserving the natural environment prompting a boom in ecotourism and volunteering abroad. The aviation industry in particular has set its own objectives for carbon neutral growth and cutting CO2 emissions in half.

Sourcing online reviews remains second-nature for travellers, but hunger for secret coves and local secrets is emboldening them to embrace face-to-face or local recommendations. Lonely Planet experts suggest online reviews will remain part of a traveller’s toolkit, but a local recommendation – whether from a taxi driver, in-the-know café owner or Airbnb host – has never been more highly prized.

The pressures of modern life are also recognised, as Lonely Planet suggests we can expect an increase in ‘unplugged travel’. With no emails or mobile signal, guests can immerse themselves in their destination and truly forget about work and everyday life.

Lonely Planet’s predictions also bode well for economy fliers, as increased competition on well-trodden flight paths is encouraging airlines to improve the experience for everyone.  As true comparison shopping for air travel increases choice and competition, the future looks bright for economy flights – perhaps lie-flat seats, high quality food and more luxurious touches are not too far away.

Technology is also going to play an increasingly significant role, with more airlines offering paperless travel and integrated smartphones key to planning and tracking your travels. Soon technology will mean suggested tweaks to travellers’ itineraries based on weather conditions and local events will be sent directly to travellers’ smart phones or tablets during a flight – creating an ever more tailored travelling experience.

Airports are also due for an overhaul as innovative departure lounges are a key part of any future travel landscape. With airport spas, art galleries, green areas and even cinemas now a common site at most departure lounges, Lonely Planet suggests we can expect bigger and bolder leisure activities soon, maybe even a pre-flight rollercoaster.

Other future travel predictions include the rise of experience hotels and event travel, as travellers’ explore the globe in search of memorial experiences and once in a lifetime sights.

Speaking about Lonely Planet’s findings, Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO said: “100 years after the first passenger flew on a scheduled flight; the predictions from Lonely Planet clearly show that millions more people are set to enjoy the opportunity to travel and particularly travel by air, as the world becomes a smaller and more accessible place than ever before. It is amazing to see how far we have come over the past 100 years and even more so to think of what we can expect from the next century. Air travel connects us to the world and reminds us of the importance of being there, whether it is the places or the people we love.”

Tom Hall, Lonely Planet’s Editorial Director, explained: “Travel has changed dramatically since the first commercial flight 100 years ago, and the next 100 years has endless possibilities. At Lonely Plant, we’re constantly monitoring trends and developments in travel as we seek to find emerging destinations, hot topics and what is really getting travellers excited. This selection highlights some of the big trends that we predict for the next few years.”

Lonely Planet’s predictions were commissioned to celebrate the 100th anniversary of commercial flight. Readers can explore the story of the first 100 years of commercial air travel, how aviation shapes the world around us, and glimpse the future of flight at www.flying100years.com.

  1. The future of Travel – Lonely Planet’s Top 10 predictions
  2. Travel as life not special event – Travel is becoming an integrated part of everyday life
  3. International festival fever – With flights faster and cheaper than ever before, travellers are taking advantage of a global calendar of events
    Flight of fantasy – Increased competition on travel routes is encouraging airlines to improve experience for economy fliers
  4. The evolution of airports – The success of airport spas, art galleries and green areas is sure to bring bigger and bolder leisure activities within the airport experience
  5. The rise of experience hotels – the increase in demand for hotels that offer something extra
  6. Smarter sustainable travel – Green travel has hit the big time as a new generation of travellers builds sustainability into every step of their journeys
  7. Travel planning in your palm – As more airlines offer paperless travel, a smartphone can be the key to planning and tracking your travel, all tailored for your experience
  8. The rise of unplugged travel – True escapes are becoming highly valued, and remote hotels are starting to make a feature of their lack of internet and phone signal
  9. Return to local knowledge – Travellers’ hunger for secret coves and local trattorias is emboldening them to rely once more on face-to-face recommendations
  10. Virtual travel – Travellers can now plan their travels from the comfort of their laptop, exploring on Google Streetview before seeing it for real
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Maldives tourism poised for strong growth in 2024, with 2 million visitors expected

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Maldives is setting its sights on welcoming a record-breaking 2.01 million tourists in 2024, a 7.9% increase compared to anticipated arrivals this year. This optimistic forecast, released by the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO), paints a vibrant picture of tourism industry thriving next year.

Several key factors are driving this projected surge:

  • The Resurgent Chinese Market: With borders reopening and travel restrictions easing, Chinese tourists are expected to flock back to the Maldives in droves, injecting significant energy into the sector.
  • New Tourist Delights: The Maldives is steadily expanding its offerings, with new resorts, attractions, and experiences emerging to cater to a wider range of visitors.
  • Smoother Skies Ahead: The completion of the Velana International Airport’s new terminal will boost capacity, making it easier for more tourists to reach the paradise islands.
  • Luxury’s Enduring Allure: The Maldives’ reputation as a premier luxury destination remains undimmed, attracting high-spending travelers seeking unforgettable experiences.
  • Weddings and Honeymoons in Paradise: The Maldives’ romantic charm is drawing ever-increasing numbers of couples seeking picture-perfect wedding and honeymoon destinations.

Looking geographically, Asia is expected to dominate the tourist influx, accounting for 60% of arrivals. Europe, America, and other regions are also projected to contribute significantly, highlighting the Maldives’ diverse appeal.

MATATO’s forecast is based on a meticulous analysis of data from various sources, including past tourism trends, industry forecasts, consumer sentiment surveys, and even cutting-edge AI technology.

MATATO acknowledges potential risks that could affect the rosy outlook. A global economic downturn, rising travel costs, and political instability are factors to be monitored closely.

With its stunning natural beauty, luxurious offerings, and strategic initiatives, the islands are poised to welcome a record number of visitors, reaffirming its status as a dream destination for discerning travelers.

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Maldives ranks 4th among world’s most popular “old money” destinations

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The Maldives has secured its place among the most sought-after “old money” destinations in the world, ranking an impressive fourth in a recent analysis conducted by SlotTracker.com. With over 12 million Instagram hashtags (12,777,931), the Maldives has emerged as a paradise for those seeking a luxurious and refined getaway.

Renowned for its exclusive resorts, pristine beaches, and private water villas, the Maldives offers an ideal setting for indulging in opulence and tranquillity. The timeless natural beauty of the archipelago, coupled with high-end accommodations and a variety of water-based activities, further adds to its allure, attracting discerning travelers in search of sophistication.

The concept of “old money” or “quiet luxury” has gained significant attention in recent times, with TikTok’s latest trend garnering over 2.5 billion views for the hashtag #oldmoneyaesthetic. This trend embodies a sense of understated elegance, free from overt displays of wealth, and draws inspiration from the refined style of celebrities like Sophia Richie and the hit TV show “Succession.”

Driven by curiosity about this trend, SlotTracker.com conducted a thorough analysis of more than 400 million Instagram hashtags to identify the destinations that epitomize refinement and elegance. From enchanting European cities to exotic havens in the Caribbean, their findings unveiled the most popular “old money” destinations worldwide, captivating travelers with unparalleled experiences of luxury and exclusivity.

The Maldives’ fourth-place ranking showcases the destination’s enduring appeal and its ability to deliver a quintessential “old money” experience. The abundance of Instagram hashtags dedicated to the Maldives indicates its popularity among influencers and travelers seeking to showcase their elegant retreats and experiences in this tropical paradise.

With its breathtaking turquoise waters, pristine white sand beaches, and idyllic private villas perched above the ocean, the Maldives offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The luxurious resorts scattered across the archipelago cater to the most discerning guests, providing personalized services, gourmet dining, and world-class amenities.

Whether it’s indulging in a rejuvenating spa treatment, embarking on a romantic sunset cruise, or exploring the vibrant marine life through snorkeling or diving, the Maldives offers a range of activities that complement the serenity and sophistication of the destination.

As the Maldives continues to attract global attention as a premier “old money” destination, the local tourism industry is poised to benefit from the discerning travelers seeking luxurious experiences. The Maldivian government and tourism authorities can leverage this recognition to further enhance the destination’s offerings, promoting sustainable luxury tourism that preserves the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the islands.

The fourth-place ranking among the world’s most popular “old money” destinations reinforces the Maldives’ position as a leading luxury travel hotspot. Travelers from around the globe are enticed by the Maldives’ timeless charm, and the destination’s commitment to providing an extraordinary blend of tranquillity, sophistication, and exclusivity continues to set it apart in the world of luxury travel.

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Maldives central bank says tourism revenue up 88 percent in Q1-2018

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Maldives tourism receipts recorded an increase of 88 percent in the first quarter of the year, a survey by the country’s central bank has shown.

In the Quarterly Business Review conducted from April 4-26 by the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA), majority of the respondents from the tourism sector indicated an increase in total revenue and resort bookings in Q1-2018 when compared with  Q4-2017 — net balances of 88 percent and 58 percent respectively. As for average room rates, 81 percent of the respondents reported an increase in Q1-2018 in comparison to the previous quarter.

“[It was a reflection] of the peak season of the tourism industry,” the survey, which was participated by 100 enterprises from the major sectors of the economy, read.

Looking at employment numbers of the tourism industry during the review quarter, 53 percent of the respondents indicated that their employment remained unchanged, while 39 percent reported an increase. With regard to business costs, 77 percent and 60 percent of the respondents reported an increase in labour-related costs and input prices respectively.

According to the survey, half of the respondents from the tourism industry indicated no change in their capital expenditure, while 80 percent of the respondents reported their access to credit remain unchanged in Q1-2018 from Q4-2017. Reflecting these developments, 42 percent of the respondents cited an increase in the financial situation of the company, while a majority reported no change, it said.

“Following the seasonality in the tourism sector, the majority of the respondents expect total revenue, resort bookings and average room rate to decrease in Q2-2018 compared with the review quarter, as indicated by the negative net balances,” MMA said, in its survey report.

“… access to credit is also expected to remain unchanged. With regard to future investments, 31 percent of the respondents anticipate an increase in capital expenditure, while the majority foresee their capital expenditure to remain unchanged in Q2-2018. As for the financial situation, 54 percent of the respondents expect it to tighten, while 44 percent anticipate it to remain unchanged in Q2-2018.”

The central bank’s estimates are in line with growth trends reported by other authorities as well as independent research firms.

According to official figures released by the tourism ministry, total arrivals for the first five months of the year increased by 10.6 percent to reach 632,729 compared to the 572,318 in the same period of last year.

Meanwhile, data compiled by leading global market research and analysis firm STR has shown that Maldives posted the highest occupancy level for a Q1 since 2014 thanks to the highest Q1 demand increase in the destination since 2010.

According to STR’s Asia/Pacific hotel performance report for Q1 2018, occupancy in the Maldives during the January-March period stood at 76.7 percent — an year-over-year increase of 7.6 percent. This represents the highest absolute occupancy level for a Q1 in Maldives since 2014 thanks to the highest Q1 demand increase in the country (10.6 percent growth) since 2010, it said.

STR data also showed that Average Daily Rate (ADR) in the Maldives increased by 1.6 percent to MVR 12,569.93 (USD 815.10) in Q1, while Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) in the destination also recorded a 9.4 percent growth to reach MVR 9,637.91 (USD 624.97) during the first three months of the year.

However, domestic political instability has hit tourist arrivals, with numbers posting declines for two consecutive months.

Maldives attracted a wave of bad publicity following the recent declaration of a state of emergency, which ended in March. However, the political turmoil was strictly restricted to the capital city, away from the resorts and local islands where holidaymakers stay in.

However, MMA has projected the performance in the Maldives tourism industry to firm up during the year despite the current political instability.

Over the past five years, dozens of uninhabited islands have been leased to local and foreign resort developers. Several international brands have entered into the market, increasing the number of resorts to 120. That number is set to increase as the government has announced the opening of some 20 new resorts over the next two years.

Along with the new resort openings come the challenge of increasing demand from budget travellers who choose guesthouses over luxury resorts that the Maldives is known for. The guesthouse sector has rapidly expanded with over 450 guesthouses in operation today.

The government has announced new steps to maintain a structured growth in tourism, including a slowdown in leasing islands for resort development and increased marketing efforts in key markets such as China and the Middle East in order to reach an ambitious target of a record 1.5 million tourist arrivals this year.

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